but I believe everything happens for a reason. Sure, sometimes the reason might not make any sense, but that’s probably a topic best stashed away for another separate moment spent thumping away at my keyboard. For example - I was asked to write this piece a few weeks back - it’s remained on my “to do” list, being repeated bumped down by more time-critical items - but today a widow of opportunity has opened, and I’m ready to give it a crack.
Yes, I have Russia to thank for this opportunity, in a round-a-bout tedious link, of course. Russia has apparently sent the UK all her cold weather, including preposterous amounts of snow (well, by London standards that is). This snow grinds our public transport systems to a halt, I can’t get into the office, all my meetings are cancelled and “shazam” - my “To Do” list is turned upside down.
As I sit here peering out my window, watching a lonely red fox scurry through the “blizzardish” (is that a word?) back yard, I am thinking of almost the exact opposite weather conditions - greenery instead of white, hot instead of cold, sunshine instead of….well, snowclouds. Yes, the summer of 2003 comes drifting back as a hazy memory - the year I accidentally started working for O2. I wasn’t really looking for a job, well, not in the telecoms sector at least - and if I’m honest, I probably didn’t even really know what O2 was / what they did back then. Having only recently arrived from Australia, I was still trying to get to grips with critical things such as “Why are potato chips called crisps, and why is every sandwich served with a pile of them on the side?”, “Why do the British think 25 degrees is hot weather?”, and “Why don’t staff in shops try to help me out when I need assistance?”
Anyways, I digress. I started a temporary placement (of four weeks) working for a part of the business called O2 Online, for the Legal Department - only a week before England beat Australia in the Rugby World Cup. Now, being Australian, I’m supposed to be totally athletic, and enamoured by anything remotely sporty - it was quite a letdown for my new colleagues to find out I had no interest at all in the game…and wouldn’t be hurt by the joyous celebrations that pursued.
My four weeks went by in a blur - not the hazy blur or confusion and disappointment mind you - a manic, entertaining month surrounded by fun people who clearly enjoyed working for O2 Online - and who says lawyers can’t enjoy themselves and be happy? When a permanent role became available, it wasn’t a rocket-science decision to make - I worked in a great team, a great location, and even more important: was part of a company that had the right attitude to its customers. The mindset of “putting the customer experience first” was something I thought strongly lacking when comparing to Australia.
Fast forward more than five years (half a decade? Where does the time go???), and I’m still here, and still loving it. I’ve changed roles and moved around within the business, travelled to and worked in many of our main sites (including Glasgow, Leeds, Runcorn and Bury) and am now based in Slough. Sure, it’s not as sexy as working in central London, but at least now my family back in Australia recognise where I work - thanks to the popularity of “The Office”. I took a career break in 2006 and returned to Australia - performed a serious amount of navel-gazing (yes, on the beach in 32 degree sunshine) and reaffirmed what I’d originally suspected - living in the UK and working for (then) O2 was where I wanted to be. Call me insane (for not choosing Australia over the UK), but I know it’s been the right decision. Being part of the Telefónica Group opens up even more opportunities - my efforts, enthusiasm, desire to learn and positive attitude are all nurtured here - I’m proud to say I work for O2, and I’m confident that will remain so.
Must dash, it’s time to get out into the back yard and throw some snowballs at the neighbours kids……or the fox, if by luck it comes back!
- Simone